Earlston Civic Week ready to go with a bang

The 41st Earlston Civic Week kicks off next week, with Earlstonians hoping for better weather than the soaked but successful ruby anniversary last year.

The week starts on Sunday with the traditional service at Earlston Parish Church, followed by a family walking quiz from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, and football fives from 2pm at the home of Earlston Rhymers Football Club, Runciman Park.

The next day local music artists will play at the Monday night concert at 7pm in the marquee outside Earlston Rugby Club at The Haugh. The pet show on Tuesday begins at 6pm in the Square, followed by the White Hill Race at 7pm, and the Black Hill Race at 7:30pm.

On Wednesday it’s ‘Kids Party Time’, with entertainment from Alan Duncan and face painting, and then adults can enjoy some fun time at the quiz night from 7:15pm in the marquee.

Thursday features bowling at Earlston Bowling Club at 7pm (where The Southern’s sports reporter Fiona Scott will be defending her champion title), and bingo in the marquee - also at 7pm.

Earlston scored a coup by securing Scocha for the Friday night concert in the marquee from 8pm to 1am, but for those looking for a quieter day, the senior citizen’s entertainment and afternoon tea begins at 1:30pm in the rugby club.

The fancy dress parade starts on Saturday morning, with judging at 12pm. Melrose Pipe Band leads the procession through the Square and down to the rugby club, where the pigeon liberation and kids’ races start at 2pm. At 10:15 in the evening, the torchlight procession begins at the East Green, led by the sounds of the bagpipes back to The Haugh for the grand firework finale at 10:45pm to bring the week to an end.